

Wrestling Prep Podcast
Bryce Wolcott
Join us for an insightful podcast series with Coach Carolyn Wester of Wrestling Prep. In each episode, Coach Wester shares one aspect her unique approach to wrestling, BJJ, and other MMA techniques, focusing on her innovative coaching principles. Carolyn emphasizes the importance of mastering repeatable patterns of movement and effective body positioning over situational training, revolutionizing the way athletes approach their sport. Tune in to discover how Coach Wester helps athletes of all levels enhance their performance and achieve their goals.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jul 15, 2025 • 1h 10min
Episode 15: Stop Chasing Matches, Start Developing Wrestlers – Advice from Two World-Class Coaches
In this engaging conversation, Cornell Robinson, a renowned wrestling coach with extensive experience leading U.S. age-group teams, teams up with Coach Carolyn Wester. They delve into the importance of prioritizing skill development over frequent competition, sharing insights on how this approach fosters long-term success. The duo discusses nurturing a love for wrestling in young athletes and the necessity of adapting coaching methods to cultivate both passion and expertise. They challenge traditional training philosophies, emphasizing injury-conscious practices and the value of lifelong learning in the coaching journey.

May 6, 2025 • 1h
Episode 14: Your Athlete Is Not Your Mirror - Coaching and Parenting Without Projection
Tennie McCarty, a seasoned trauma and addiction recovery expert at Shades of Hope, joins the conversation to tackle the complexities of parental influence in youth sports. She reveals how unresolved issues in parents can harm athletes' growth and advocates for healthy communication and boundaries. The discussion covers the impact of expectations on eating habits, the intertwining of mental health and long-term success in wrestling, and the critical need for trauma support in young athletes, urging a shift towards empowerment in the sport.

Apr 26, 2025 • 58min
Episode 13: Acceptance Begins with Ownership - Why Avoidance Fails in Athlete Development
Head Coach Carolyn Wester tackles the essential contrast between avoidance and acceptance in athlete development. She explores how wishful thinking and emotional deflection hinder progress, urging athletes and parents to embrace reality. The discussion highlights the importance of open communication, realistic goal-setting, and collaboration among coaches, parents, and athletes. By prioritizing emotional maturity and intentional planning, the conversation provides practical insights on fostering resilience and meaningful growth in sports.

Mar 6, 2025 • 58min
Episode 12: Body Leveraging is the Future of Grappling - Positional Control & Movement in Jiu-Jitsu
Rob Setree, a second-degree black belt and co-founder of Criterion Jiu-Jitsu, joins Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu practitioner Mac Profumo to discuss body leveraging techniques that transform performance. They share insights on how these methods break past traditional training limitations, enhancing pressure control and athleticism. With a vision for Jiu-Jitsu's future focusing on effective body control, they inspire listeners to embrace these revolutionary techniques. Their discussion highlights the crucial balance of strength, technique, and tactical movement in grappling.

10 snips
Jan 11, 2025 • 54min
Episode 11: Cheat Code to Teaching Body Leveraging and Examples of Recent Success in Competition
Discover the secrets to mastering body leveraging techniques in wrestling! Gain practical coaching strategies to enhance athlete performance, regardless of skill level. Hear success stories from recent competitions and learn how structured training can build muscle memory. Explore the art of minimal coaching, encouraging wrestlers to independently tackle challenges. Plus, get insights on upcoming summer camps and the importance of early registration for coaches and athletes alike!

11 snips
Dec 7, 2024 • 57min
Episode 10: The Path to Long-Term Success in Wrestling - Improvement Through Collaboration
Drew Morgan, a wrestling coach specializing in body leveraging and efficient training, joins the discussion on youth wrestling dynamics with Coach Carolyn Wester. They delve into the shift from competition-focused training to a model prioritizing collaboration and skill development. Carolyn emphasizes the role of parents as project managers in fostering diverse coaching perspectives. Drew highlights the importance of long-term athlete development through personalized training and adapting techniques to each wrestler's unique growth stage.

Oct 11, 2024 • 1h 5min
Episode 9: Decoding Emotional Constraints in Developing Athletes with the Incredible Melissa Richey
In this enlightening discussion, Melissa Richey, a pediatric nurse practitioner and mother of three wrestlers, shares her expertise on the emotional dynamics of young athletes. She emphasizes how wrestling shapes emotional growth and resilience, helping athletes to process feelings and manage performance anxiety. Melissa provides valuable strategies for parents, focusing on fostering healthy communication and supporting emotional well-being. The conversation also highlights the critical role of coaches in nurturing young athletes through triumphs and challenges.

Sep 30, 2024 • 50min
Episode 8: Body Leveraging Meets Grappling - Coaching Athletes at Every Level at PSF Wrestling
Michael Pixley, a breakout star set for the 2024 ADCC World Championships, and Alejandro Wajner, a recent NOGI World Champion, discuss their successful transition from collegiate wrestling to professional Jiu-Jitsu. They delve into the transformative impact of Coach Carolyn Wester's Body Leveraging techniques during a training clinic. The duo shares how embracing innovative methods reenergized their coaching and increased engagement among young wrestlers, highlighting the importance of adaptability and community in their journeys.

Sep 12, 2024 • 45min
Episode 7: Global Reach, Novel Approach - Coach Carolyn's Trip to Finland
In this episode of the Wrestling Prep Podcast, head coach Carolyn Wester sits down with Finnish coaches Niko Kettunen, Ville Heino, and Jere Heino to discuss her recent coaching clinic in Finland. The trip, initially sparked by casual conversations, quickly turned into an impactful week of training and learning. Carolyn’s unique Body Leveraging and wrestling technique and coaching philosophy left a strong impression on the group, as coaches and athletes alike experienced new ways to approach movement and technique. The episode highlights the long-term impact Carolyn’s work might have on Finland’s wrestling coaching and culture, and how this collaboration could shape the future of the sport in this country.
Niko Kettunen is the national freestyle and women's team coach of the Finnish Wrestling Federation.
Ville Heino is the manager of coaches education of the Finnish Wrestling Federation. As an athlete, Ville was 7th at the world championships in 2018 (86 kg) and was a two-time NCAA qualifier at Campbell University (2013-2017).
Jere Heino is a coach in the Finnish Wrestling Federation. As an athlete, Jere placed 5th at the U20 World Championships (125 kg), was a multiple-time age group placer at the European Championships, and a three-time NCAA qualifier at Campbell University (2015-2020).
Want to learn more about Coach Wester and Wrestling Prep?
Instagram: @wrestlingprep
Website: wrestlingprep.com
Online courses: courses.wrestlingprep.com

Aug 25, 2024 • 28min
Episode 6: Mastering Movement at a Distance - The Power of Training Online with Coach Carolyn
In this episode of the Wrestling Prep Podcast, head coach Carolyn Wester is joined by Ivan Zorić (IG: @primalmomentum), an accomplished martial artist and coach, who shares his journey of discovering the power of Body Leveraging through online training with Carolyn. Despite his extensive experience, Ivan has found immense value in learning foundational principles from Carolyn that have transformed his movement and approach to coaching his own athletes. The episode highlights the benefits of working with Coach Carolyn online, as she and Ivan highlight the importance of mastering these principles for both athletic performance and overall movement efficiency, offering insights into how this methodology can benefit anyone, not just wrestlers.
Want to learn more about Coach Wester and Wrestling Prep?
Instagram: @wrestlingprep
Website: wrestlingprep.com
Online courses: courses.wrestlingprep.com